Hollis returns to Hilltop as student support director

After a few years away from Bradley, a familiar face has returned to make the Hilltop home again.

As of July 15, Anne Hollis, director of student support ser- vices and Title IX coordinator, took over for Barbara Carraway, who retired in spring following more than 30 years at Bradley.

The Pennsylvania native completed her undergraduate work at Penn State University and earned her master’s degree from Iowa State University before coming to Bradley.

Beginning in 1998, she served

as director of the Lewis J. Burger Center for Student Leadership and Public Service (LBJ Center) and in 2006, became the director of resi- dential living.

In 2008, she left Bradley to pur- sue some other opportunities in Central Illinois, including a posi- tion with Easter Seals.

“Even during my years away, I maintained a connection with many at Bradley,” Hollis said. “Being away from Bradley made me realize I really wanted to be here and working with kids at this time in their lives.”

In her new role, Hollis primarily works with students who are dealing with a crisis, such as a death in the family or medical

issues, and need assistance with missing classes, taking a leave of absence or withdrawing from Bradley.

Students who have learning disabilities or physical handi- caps may also use the Center for Student Support Services to request academic and cocurricular accommodations.

As Title IX coordinator, Hollis is also responsible for ensuring the anti-sex discrimination law is followed.

Hollis’ list of responsibilities regarding student support and relations require attributes she said have been strengthened through her personal life.

As a wife and mother of four, including 7-year-old twin daughters with Down syndrome, Hollis has gained perspective that she believes will help her in her new position.

“Parenting, specifically parenting special needs children, has changed my perspective by making me more empathetic and mel- lower, both of which are needed in this job,” Hollis said. “It has also made me know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of hate.”

In 2011, she said her family woke up one April morning to find their home had been vandalized with words such as “retard,” “dead” and “get outta here” spray painted on its exterior. When an arrest was not made, the Hollis’

two sons created a video defending their sisters, which eventually went viral.

Empowering students against discrimination, like the Hollis boys did following the vandalism, is one goal Hollis has in her new role, specifically with regard to her role as Title IX coordinator.

“I want people to feel empowered and for the center to be a place for all students,” Hollis said. “I want to help students find their voice and make Bradley a better place.”